TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A new Kansas National Guard field artillery brigade is expected to bring 15 full-time jobs to Manhattan when it starts operating sometime next year.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports (http://bit.ly/1igxRKk) ) the new brigade also will bring about 160 drill-status guard members. Guard spokeswoman Sharon Watson says some of the full-time employees will be assigned to Manhattan around June 1 to start setting up the unit.

Watson says the brigade will provide command and control to two field artillery battalions in Hiawatha and Wichita. She says field artillery provides indirect fire in support of Army maneuvers.

Each year the National Guard Bureau and the U.S. Department of Defense evaluate what units are available and what needs exist around the country. State units also can request new missions based on anticipated changes.